Sens. Schumer and Clinton secure $18.55M for Army Reserve center on Staten Island

New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Hillary Clinton announced today that $18.55 million will be heading Staten Island's way for the construction of an Army Reserve center. (Associated Press)

Senators Chuck Schumer and Hillary Clinton announced today that they have secured $18.55 million in funding for the construction of an army reserve center on Staten Island.

"When men and women risk their lives overseas to serve and protect America, it is essential that we provide them with the best facilities possible," Schumer said. "The Staten Island Army Reserve Center will not only benefit the brave men and women of the Army Reserve, but will also serve the Staten Island community."

The money for the project will come from the Fiscal Year 2009 Veterans Affairs and Military Construction Appropriations bill, which was approved by Congress on Saturday. The funding for the project was initially proposed in the President's Fiscal Year 2009 budget request.

"This funding is a critical investment in our Army Reserve and also in a facility that will contribute to the economy and community of Staten Island," said Senator Clinton. "As we are relying more than ever on the men and women of our Army Reserve, it is our duty to provide them with modern facilities and equipment so that they are better able to train and carry out their duties," Senator Clinton said.

Now that the bill has passed both the House and Senate it will be passed on to the President for his signature or veto.

No possible location for the center was indicated in the release issued by Schumer's office.